As the world grapples with the harsh effects of COVID-19 on economies, Nigeria has called for reforms that will engender recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, build resilience to future shocks and pursue transformative development strategies that can deliver the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
President Muhammadu Buhari made the call in New York on Friday, while addressing the gathering of world leaders at the on-going United Nations General Assembly.
According to the President: ‘‘Nigeria reaffirms that international trade is an engine for development and sustained economic growth, as well as the global eradication of poverty.
‘‘My delegation would like to reaffirm the critical role that a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system can play in stimulating economic growth and development.
‘‘Fair and equitable trade would eventually eliminate the need for aid. My country and indeed all African countries do not intend to stay indefinitely looking for aid. All we need is a fair and equitable system of international trade.’’
Terrorism
On the fight against terrorism, the Nigerian leader told the UN General Assembly that the Nigerian Security Forces have recorded considerable success.
‘‘As a result of the renewed vigour of Nigeria’s military, many terrorist fighters are voluntarily surrendering to our security forces,’’ he said.
The President noted that while terrorism continues to dominate security discourse worldwide, in Nigeria, boko haram terrorist group, though fragmented by internal strife and weakened by our defence forces, is still active and preying on soft targets.
The Nigerian leader further said the country would spare no effort in addressing the challenges of terrorism posed by the activities of boko haram in North-East Nigeria and the Lake Chad region, as well as banditry in the North-West and North-Central Nigeria.
‘‘I and three other Nigerian Heads of State served actively as peacekeepers and Nigeria continues to support peacekeeping efforts. We know the sacrifice involved; we also know how important peacekeeping is for those in vulnerable situations.
‘‘Nigeria will continue to play its part fully in supporting United Nations peacekeeping operations within Africa and beyond,’’ he said.
He pledged Nigeria’s collaboration with the UN to combat terror in Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the world.
‘‘Nigeria will continue to work closely with UN Counter-Terrorism bodies and entities with a view to bringing this scourge to an end,’’ President Buhari stated.
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